US2160916A - Paper feeding mechanism - Google Patents

Description

n 939. J.QSHERMAN ET AL 2,160,916

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE SM eeeeeeeeeeeee tl June 1939- J. Q. SHERMAN ET AL PAPER FEEDING MECHANISM Filed Aug. 6, 1937 10 Sheet-Sheet 2 June 6, 1939.

J. Q. SHERMAN ET AL PAPER FEEDING MECHANISM Filed Au 6, 1937 10 Sheets-Sheet 3 June 6, J. Q. SHERMAN ET AL 2,

PAPER FEEDING MECHANISM Filed Aug. 6, 1937 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 70 o o I fi 0 o 2 b TORS B &WTORNEY June 1939- J. Q. SHERMAN 1-.r AL 2,150,915

PAPBR FEEDING MECHANI SM Filed Aug. 6, 1937 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 June 6, 193 J. Q. SHERMAN ET AL PAPER FEEDING MECHNISM Filed Aug. 6, 1937 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 June 6, 1939. J. Q. SHERMAN ET AL PAPER FEEDING MCHANISM Fi1ed Aug. 6, 1937 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 June 6, 1939. Q sH ET AL 2,160,916

PAPER FEEDING MECHANISM 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed Aug. 6, 1937 June 6, 1939. J, Q. sHERMAN ET AL 2,160,916

PAFER FEEDING MECHANI SM Filed Aug. 6, 1957 10 Sheets-Sheet 10 Patented June 6, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE mrm FEEDING MECHANISM John Q. Sherman and Albert W.

said Metzner assigner tu sait! Sherton, h10; man

Metzner, Bay- Application August 6, 1937, Serial No. 157,706

24 Claims.

This invention pertains to imprinting machines for producing successive impressions at longitudinaily spaced intervais upon continuons strips of stationery, and more particularly the cooperative association therewith of dual aligning and registering feeding mechanism for perlodically positively advancing superposed strips of record material through simultaneous step by step movements of different extent in timed relation past an impression receiving position to efteet accurate registry of difierently spaced areas upon diiferent strips in imprinting position and preferabiy but not necessarily lncludes traveling pin type feeding devices engageable in longitudinally spaced holes in the superposed record strips and actuated in synchronism with the operation of the imprinting apparatus.

While the present dual strip feeding and aligning mechanism is applicable to a wide range of diiierent writing and imprinting machines wherein continuons strip stationery is intermittently advanced past an impression receiving position, in synchronized relation with which the feeding and aligning mechanism is automatically actu- D ated, including various forms of printing and recording apparatus, computing. tabulatng and billing machines, typewritexs and the like, for illustrative purpose, but with no intent to unduly limit the scope or application of the invention, it is herein shown and described as incorporated with a conventional form of addressing machine.

The present construction is a further development and amplification of the inventions disclosed in copending applications Serial No. 683,612. filed August 4, 1933. and Serial No. 106,158, filed October 17, 1936, and a continuation in part thereoi.

However, in lieu of advancing the continuons strip stationery downwardly from a. supply in elevated relation above the imprinting devices and thence forwardly past the imprinting position and over the table to the front of the machine where it is engaged by the pin type feeding means as illustrated in the prior constructions. in the present instance the pin type feeding devices are located in juxtaposition to the imprinting devices and the supply of record material is drawn in reverse direction from the supply packet at the front of the machine rearwardly past the impression receiving position and is then elevated upwardly to an elevated receiver or guide means for the imprinted material.

It has been found that by 50 locating the feedng units in close relation with the imprinting position, much greater accuracy is assured, since fil) there is not the opportunity for accumulation cf errer between the ieeding and imprinting points.

Diflerent superposed strips are operatively engaged by separate pin type feeding devices which are actuated simultanecusly but through diiterent feeding ranges. so that whiie one strip is advanced a full form length at each operation a companion strip may be advanced only a line space or a lesser or greater distance than the first strip, as may be necessary to present sucm cesslve dierently spaced prescribed areas of the respective strips in exact registry with each other exactly at the imprlnting position.

The factor of exact registry is quite Important and necessary for accurate manitolcling operali! tiens. Frictional feed devices have been employed for advancing continuons statiouery, but always there is present an element of slippage and creep of one strip relative to the other which introduces error 01' registry. While the diflerential ieed may be alrnost infinitesimal in 9. single form length, it is cumulative and after ieeding saine hundreds or thousands et forme. the error or degree of oflset grows to such extent that the prescrlbed area of the original record strip may not be presented in proper impression receiving relation, and the manifolded record may be offset both from the printing position and out of registry with the imprint receiving areas of the original record strip. The present positive pin type feeding mechanism is designed and timed to present succeeding diierently spaced areas of the original record and duplicata record strips in proper aligned and registering relation with each other simultaneously in accurate registry with impression devices at each operation.

The present registering and aligning mechanism is applicable to existing imprinting machines, and is readily adjustable for feeding strips of various widths difierent distances to accommodate forms of diflerent lengths or stationery having diilerent line spacing, or whereon the prescribed impression receiving areas are differently spaced.

The object of the invention is to simplify the construction as well as the means and mode 01' operation of registering and aligning mechanisms applied to imprinting machines, whereby they may not only be economically constructed, but will be more eficient in use, automatic in action, uniform in operation, of extreme accuracy, and unlikcly to get out of repair.

A further object of the invention is to provide dual feeding means for simultancously advancing separate superposed strips diierent distances and presenting successive differenfly spaced prescribed areas thereot accurately in registry with each other and simultaneously in registry with the imprinting devlces.

A further object et the invention is to provide means for efiecting the diflerential feeding movement of superposed strips in synchronism with the operatlon 01 the imprinting machine and under the direct control thereoi, whereby the impflnting and ieding operation will be successively effected in a continuous cycle.

A turther object 01 the invention is to provide means for varying the range ci diflerentiai ieeding movement of one or the other of the strips relative to each other and to the imprinting position, to eflect accurate registry.

A IU.rther object or the invention is to provide dual registering and aligning mechanisms applicable to diflerent forms of imprlnting apparatus having the herein disciosed advantageous structural features and meritorious characteristics.

An important object is to provide multiple feeding and aligning devices for dlfierentiaily advancing superposed impression receiving strips by Ieeding one strip or set of strips through an operative cycle inciuding steps of diflerent extent while simultaneously advancing another strip or set of strips through a succession of movements of uniform extent.

A further important object is to provide strip elevating means by which the imprinted strips are elevated in synchronism with the imprinting operation and distributed at diilerent levels to receiving compartments.

With the above primary and other incidente] objects in view as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention consists of the leatures of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode et operation, or their equivaients as hereinatter described and set forth in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, wherein is shown the preferred, but obviously not necessarily the only form of embodiment of the invention, Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional type of addressing machine to which the present invention has been applied, viewed from the front and illustrating the paths of travel of the continuous strip stationary from the supply packets to the receivers for the imprinted materlal.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectiona1 view illustrating sundry operating parts of the addressing machine and their relation to the diiterentia] aligning and registering feed mechanism for superposed strips.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the super-structure viewed from the rear.

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectionai view of the superstructure on an enlarged scale ci! the parts shown in Fig. 2 looking toward the inner right side of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a side elevation viewed irom the outer right side of the super-structure opposite that shown in Fig. 4, illustrating a portion of the driving train.

Fig. 5a 15 a detail perspective view thereof.

Figs. 6 and 7 are detail elevations viewed from the inner side and outside respectively of the right hand side of the trame of the super-structure, the views being in the planes GB and 1' 01 Fig. 8 viewed in opposite directions, illustrating continuatinns of the driving train supplementa1to that shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a horizontal sectionai plan view on line 8-4 01 Fig. 5.

Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional view on line 9-9 of Fig. 5 and Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the gear transmission mechanism shown in Figs. 5, 6, '1, 8 and 9 with the gear housing broken away.

Fig. 11 is a rear elevat1on of the transmission mechanism shown in plan in Fig. 10 with the gear housing broken away.

Figs. 12 and 13 are detail elevations from the inner side of the right hand trame 01 the superstructure, showing the one cycle central or timing mechanism, aiso shown in Fig. 4. in its engaged driving condition and in normal inactive condition respectively.

Figs. 14 and 15 are detail side elevations from the leit of Figs. 12 and 13.

Fig. 16 is a detail top plan view et the machenism shown in Figs. 12 to 15.

Fig. 17 is a detail sectionai view through the driving connections.

Fig. 18 is a detail view of the clutch mechanism for connecting and disconnecting the second set of pin type feeding and elevating devices.

Fig. 19 is a detail sectionai view of the mounting for one of the driven shafts.

Figs. 20 and 21 are respectively side and rear detail elevations of the presser head and associated roller actuating bal by which the numbering and feeding mechanisms are tripped in timed sequence with the operation of the imprinting devices.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the strip guiding and shearing means by which the punched marginsare severed from the strips.

Fig. 23 is a side elevation of the strip shearing means.

Fig. 24 is a detall view thereof.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the severai views.

While the present invention is herein illustrated as embodied in a conventional form of addressing machine, it is to be understood that it is not so limited, but may be readily adapted for use in conjunction with other forms of imprinting apparatus, including tabulating, billing and check writing machines, typewriters and other analogous mechanisms wherein it may be advantageous or desirable to diffexentialiy teed superposed strips of continuous series connected iorm stationery, and imprint thereon simultaneously at diflerent spaced intervais or the respective strips.

The imprinting apparatus illustrated, and com- 'mercially known as an Addressograph comprises a stand or legs l supporting a table 2, tram which projects a vertical magazine 3 containing a stack of legend determining elements 4, which may be preiormed printing plates or stencils. In the usual commercial tabulating machines with which the present registering and alignlng feeding mechanism aise may be utilized, such legend cletermining elements ordinarily comprise punched cards consecutively fed irom a supply thereof and which control the setting 01 the imprlnting type elements, pxeparatory to imprinting the legend determined thereby.

In the present Addressograph" machine, the legend determining elements 4 are consecutively ied by a reciprocatory slide 5, automatically actuated in properiy timed sequence by a connectlng rod 6 and cran]: l, motor actuated through a pulley and belt speed reduction train 8, all located beneath the table 2. The printing plates 4 are advanced singiy from the magazine and consecutively presented in imprlnting position beneath the depressible pressure head 9 and in impression imparting relation with successive portions of continuons superposed strips of record material in and II.

The present embodiment of the invention is designed for imprinting upon et succession cf series connected checks or other forms, consecutive identifying numbers or other indicia and the name, address, account number, or other personal data, and to simultaneously imprint upon a master or detail sheet the same check or form number and the same data. To this end, the record strips II) and I I, which may be the same or diierent widths as desired, are advanced from supply comparnments I2 and I3 below the table 2 at the front of the apparatus, from which the respective strips are directed past separate numbcr imprinting units I4 and I5, which may be of any conventional construction and of which numerous forms are available upon the market. Thcse numbering nuits are actuated by suitable connections with the operating parts of the imprinting apparatus. r

Beyond the respective numbering units I4 and I5 the record strips pass in superposed relation onto the table 2 of the Addressograph machine.

As a convenient and economical method of manifolding the imprinted legend or data. a continuous strip of carbon or transfer material is preierably interiolded with the supply of record material II, which comprises the slower moving strip and upon which is manifolded the imprinted legend or data.

Obviously, if so desired, one of the numbering units may be so located as to imprint upon the superposed strips and produce its second impression by means of the interposed carbon or transfer material.

In their rearward course, over the top of the table 2, the superposed record strips III and Il pass the imprinting position beneath the presser head 9, and immediately beyond such portion they are simultaneously engaged by separate pin type feeding devices IIi and Il cngageable in marginally punched holes in the record strips and simultaneously actuated through movements of diierent extent to diifcrentially advance the record strips in and II. The original record strip which may comprise a succession of checks or other forma is advanced a full form length at each operation to present the prescribed area of the succeeding form in imprinting position, while the underlying duplicate or master strip is advanced a lesser distance sufllcient to receive the manifolded imprints in closely spaced succession.

The feeding nuits I6 and I1 may be of any suitable type, but for illustrative purposes have been shown as rotary pin wheels having radially disposed pins l8 engageable in marginally punched holes I9 in the record strips In and II. Obviously, other forms of traveling pin type devices serving like purpose may be substituted therefor. The pin wheels IG and Il are carried by transverse rotary shaits 20 and 2I, supported in a super-structure mounted upon the imprinting apparatus table 2 and comprising opposite end trames 22 and 23 interconnecter] by sundry tic rods.

Mounted in the super-structure in elevated relation above the respective fecding devices I6 and Il are elevating devices 25 and :5, one for each strip, or set ci strips carried on transverse rotary shafts 21 and 28 journaled in the super-structure end frames 22 and 23, which are diflerentially actuated in unison with the corresponding strip ieeding device. These elevator devices are also preierably, although not necessarily, of the pin type having engagement in the marginal feed holes in the strips, but are so adjusted rotatively relative to the feeding devices I8 and Il that there is a slight degree oi slackness in the strips between the ieeding and elevator devices and the latter do not exert any pulling or feeding influence other than to lift the imprinted portions of the strips and propel them on their way to separate receivers. The original record strip Il) is received in a compartment or tray 29, supported in eievated relation above the imprinting apparatus table 2 and somewhat below the love! of its elevator 25 into which the strip III 15 refolded upon its original fold lines. At the same time, the ddplicate strip II is directed by its elevator 26 onto an inclined elevated deck 3l! beneath the receiving compartment 29, and supported at its rear end substantially concident with the under side of the receiving compartment 29 and in elevated rela tion above the table 2, at its forward end by legs 3I, beyond which the duplicate strip Il is reiolded on its original fold lines in downwardly and forwardly inclined tray 32 supported on a transverse rod 33 at the front of the imprinting apparatus table 2.

The strip feeding and elevating devices are actuated independently of the imprinting mechanism, but in timed sequence therewith by an electrio motor 35, which operating through a gear head specd reduction mechanism 38 drives a belt 31 operatively engaging with a drive pulley 38 upon a stub shait 39 journaled in the right hand frame member 23 of the super-structure.

As shown in Figs. 4, 8 and 17, the pulley shait at the inner side of the pulley 39 is j ournaled in a supporting bar 40. the ends of which are fixedly connected with the side trame 23 of the superstructure by a spacer stud II and a bracket arm 42. The opposite end of the pulley shaft is journaled in a bearing bushing u in a bracket am 44 extending inwardly and upwardly from the side trame 23. The extremity of the pulley shaft 39 has clutch driving engagement 45 with a stub shaft 4B, one end 01 which is also journaled in the bearing bushing 44. The opposite end of the stub shait 46 is journaled for independent rotation in a bore in the end 01 a shaft 41 on which is fixedly mounted a relatively large timing disc 48. Sec Figs. 8 and 17.

Medially of the stub shaft 46 is a broad faced peripherally n'otched wheel or disc 49. which rotates in unison with the drive pulley in a plane closely adjacent to the larger timing disc 48, but normally independently thereoi.

The pulley 38 and with it the peripheraily notched wheel 49 continuously driven by the motor 35 and are intermittently connected with either one or both sets of pin type strip feeding and elevating devices by single operation coupling means adapted to actuate the driven mechanism through a predetermined range of operation and at the end thereof eflect automatic disengagement of the driving means. Pivoted to the face of the larger disc 48 is a Spring pressed pawl or dog 5Il having a square nase engageable in any one of the several square notches in the periphery of the wheel or smaller disc 49. to operatively connect the larger disc for unison ro tation.

In Figs. 12 to 16 there is illustrated timing mechanism to accurately time the engagement and disengagement 01 the driving and driven mechanism and the duration of the period of oplatter, and whieh drops eration. Te engage and disengage the driving dog Sil, with the notched driving wheel or disc 49 at timed intervals, a pair et arms 5l and 52 are freely pivoted on a stud 53 and disposed respectively in the planes et rotation et the larger and smaller dises 48 and 49. Eaeh arm il and 52 is provided with a retraetile spring 54 connecting studs in the free ends of the respective arms with a stud 55 on the frame 23. The arm 5l carries on its under aide a roller 56 which rides on the periphery of the dise u during rotation et the into a peripheral notch 51 in the dise at the limit of eaeh operation. The arm 5l is further provided with a lateral flnger or lip 58 which extends beneath the companion pivoted arm 52 and serves to lift the latter arm 52 in unison with elevation of the arm 5l. The arm 52 extends rearwardly of its pivotal stud 53 and is connected by a link 59 wlth the core et a solenoid or armature of an eleetro-magnet 60 mounted at the rear of the superstructure. This operating lh.k 59- extends through a transverse opening in a boss 6l projecting from the inner side of the frame 23 immediately above the eleetro-magnet 60 and which supports a guide roller 6l about whieh the record strip il) passes in its course from the feed devise [6 to the elevator 25.

The drlving pawl or dog 50 pivoted to the disc 48 is formed with a shoulder 62 into the mm et whieh the free end of the loosely mounted arm 52 projects when in its depressed position. The engagement et the shoulder 62 with the end of the arm 52 as the driven meehanism approaches the limit of its range of movement causes the do tu be oscillated out et engagement with the peripherally notehed wheel or smaller disc 49 against the yielding resistance of its spring 63, t0 thereby disengage the driving and driven mechanism.

This engagement et the shoulder 62 with the end of the pivoted arm 52 positively arrests the rotation of the dise la and wlth it the driven mechanism. The dise eompletes a full rotation at each operation and the mechanism is simultaneously actuated through a complete cycle to advance the original record strip a full predetermined form length, and correspondingly advance the duplicata strip for whatever length the meehanism may be set. However, it is desirable to sometimes issue split tickets", or forms of fractional length. To do so the arms 5l and 52 are duplicated in reverse relation et 5l and 52 at the lower side of the disc 48 Where they operate in like manner to arrest the operation when the dise has made but a half rotation. by engagement of the roller 56' in the notch 51 when the latter is in the lowermost position. The arms 5l and 5l are interconnected by a link 59' for unison operation under influence oi the link 59 and eleetro-magnet 60 to initiate the cycle et operatien, whether et full or half rotation of the disc 49. When full iorm feeding is desired and complete rotation et the dise 48 effected, the supplemental arms 5l and 52 are locked out of operative relation by a cam lever 60a. This is permitted by a slotted connection Gllb of the link 59'.

T0 release the driving dog or pawl for reengagement with the notched driving wheel or disc 49. an eleetric circuit is elosed through the solenoid or electric magnet (il! in timed relation with the operation of the imprinting apparatus. In the conventional addressograph construction in association with which the present invention is illustrated, the swinging presser head 5 is provided with small rollers 9a to which is imparted a to and fro motion while the presser head is in depressed position. This motion is transmitted to the rollers by a eurved bar 64 in Figs. 20 and 21, loeated elosely adjacent to the oseillatory presser head 9 and having diflerential motion incident to the swinging motion thereof. This differential motion of the bar 84 incident te actuation of the presser head during the imprinting operation of the Addressograph ls utilized te trip suceessively electric switehes eontrolfing the electro-magnet circuit and also that aetuating the numbering devices.

A stud 65 is mounted on the roller operating bar 64 of the presser head and incident to the operative movement of the head, such pin deseribes a cireuitous path of travel indicated by dash lines and arrows in Fig. 4 and Fig. 20. While the stud 65 may be mounted directly on the bar 64, sinee the present apparatus is applicable to existing Addressograph machines, the stud 85 is preferably carried by a U shaped clamp 65' whieh straddles the bar 64 and is releasably seeured thereto.

Mounted on the end trame 23 are two lever operated electric switches 66 and 61 (sec Figs. 4, 5 and 11). having oscillatory operating levers 68 and 59 which extend into the path of travel of the tripping pin or stud 55 earried by the roller actuating bar 64 et the presser head 9.

The eleetric switeh 66 eontrols the operation of the numbering devices Il and l5, with which it is connected through the cable G8. These numbering devices. as well as the electrical switehes, may be et any suitable or conventional construction. of whieh there are several different commercial forms available. The numbering devises embody eleetrieally energized operating means (net shown) which upon closing of the electrieal circuit by oscillation of the switch arm 68 incident te engagement therewith of the stud 55 eifects consecutive numerical imprinting of the respective record strips. After operating the numbering control switch, the stud 65 by its eontinued travel engages and oprates in sequence the lever 68 of the electro-magnet control switeh 61 to close the circuit through the magnet 80. The energization of the electro-magnet and resulting attraction of its armature actin through the link 58 oseillates the pivoted arm 5 l, raising the front end thereof and lifting the roller 56 out of the notch 51 in the periphery of the disc 48. The same movement of the arm 5l eflects elevation of the companion arm 52 out of engagement with the shoulder 62 of the driving dog 50 by the lifting engagement et the lateral flnger or lip 58 therebeneath such lever 52.

The driving dog 50 upon release by disengagcment et the end of the arm 52 from the shoulder 62 permits the dog 50 t0 engage the notched wheel 49 under influence of its aetuating spring. In event the suppiemental split ticket or fractional form control levers 5l and 52 are released from their locking deviee, they are aetuated in unison with the levers 5l and .52. long as the rollers 56 and 56' rides upon the periphery of the rotating disc 43, thereby holding the arm 5i elevated and arm 5l depressed, the companion arms 52 and 52 will also be held out of the path of the shoulder 62 of the dog 50. When the dise has completed a prescribed degree et rotation. either full rotation or a predetermind partial rotation, the descent et the roller 56 or 55' into the peripheral notch 51 under influence et the retracting spring 54 again presents the end et the arresting arm in the path of the shoulder 62 of the dog and the latter is again disengaged. The disc 48 is thus actuated through a full rotation, a half rotation or other partial rotation, according to the length cf split forms" to be fed, and is positively arrested at the end of each operative cycle.

The accurately measured rotation et the driven disc 43 in synchronism with the operation et the imprinting apparatus is transmitted through suitabie gear trains to one or both pin type strip feeding and elevating devices, one of which may be connected and disconnected at the will 01 the operator. The transmission mechanism is best illustrated in Figs. 5 to 11 inclusive.

The side frame 23 of the super-structure is formed with an integral gear housing at its outer side, which is divided by a vertical wail 10 .(Figs. 8, 9. 10 and 11) into outer and inner compartments 1l and 12. the latter having an upward continuation 13 extending above the level of the compartment 1l. The division wall 1ll provides a series of bearings for various operating parts of the transmission mechanism. Fixedly secured to a reduced portion of the shait 41 01 the disc 48, which extends through the frame member 23 into the gear compartment 12, is a: spur gear 14 by which motion is transmitted to one set of ieeding and eievating devices. Detachabiy engageable with the reduced extremity of the shait 41 by a shiftable clutch 15, is an axially aligned continuation 16 of the shait 41 driving a, gear train transmitting motion to the second set of feeding and elevating devices in timed sequence with cperation or the printing mechanism and primary feeding means, when operatively connected with the driving means by adjustment of the clutch 15.

Referring particularly to Figs. 7 and 10, the gear 14 which rotates in unison with the rotary disc 49 intermeshes with a gear 11 journaled on a stud in the upper extension 13 of the gear compartment 12. Detachably connected with the gear 11 for unison rotation is a gear pinion 18 which is interchangeable with other gear pinions of diflerent size for varying the speed and range of operation of the driven mechanism. This interchangeable gear pinion 18 is retained in drivin'g engagement with the larger gear 11 by a slotted collar 80 having straddle engagement in a peripheral groove in the pinion shaft.

Intermeshing with the gear pinion 18 is an idler pinion 8l carried by an oscillatory arm 82 pivoted concentrically with a driven gear 03 with which the idler pinion 8l intermeshes. The swinging ajustment of the carrier arm accommodates the idler pinion to interchangeable pinions 18 of different size. The carrier arm is releasably held in its adjusted position by a clamp boit 84 engaging through an arcuate slot 85 in the head of the carrier arm.

The driven gear 83 is mounted on the extremity of the upper elevator shaft 21, which carries the upper pin type elevator 25 for Ieeding the original or form strip Il) into the receiving tray 29. The gear 83 is adjustably engaged by a variable? 86 of conventional construction, such as customarily embodied in typewriters for rotatively adjusting the platen roll thereof relative to the line spacing mechanism.

This variable comprises a simple form of spring actuated clutch on the end of the shaft. wbich upon axial retraction by a knob 86 may be reengaged in different rotative relation of the shaft and gear. The elevator shaft 21 being driven by the described gear train transmits unison rotation to the shaft 20 of the pin type ieeding devices Hi through a substantially vertical shaft 81 mounted in suitable brackets 88 on the outer side of the opposite trame member 22 ci the super-structure, as shown particularly in Fig. 3. The transmission shait 81 carries at each end bevel pinions 8!I intermeshing with corresponding pinions 90 upon the respective shafts 20 and 21, which are thus intermittently actuated in unison through measured range of operation.

The second set of feeding and elevator devices are actuated simultaneously but ordinarfly through a difierent range oi movement from the same initial shaft 49, on which is mounted the timing dise Ml. The second train 01 transmission mechanism is iilustrated in'Figs. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11. The axially aligned continuation 16 of the shaft 41 is releasably connected therewith by a clutch 15 within the gear housing compartment 12. As shown in Fig. 8 and in enlarged detail in Fig. 18, the shaft continuation 18 is provided with an enlarged counterbored head 9 l. into which the reduced extremity of the primary shaft 41 projects. 'Ihs head is longitudinally slotted at one side as is also the reduced extremity of the shait 41. A peripherally grooved clutch collar 15 slidingly mounted upon the shaft head si carries an inwardly projecting stud 92 engaging in the registering slots to couple the shafts 41 and 16 for unison rotation. The clutch collar 15 is shiited from the solid line to the dotted line position of Fig. 18 by a yoke 93 having an operating handle 94 extending exteriorly of the gear housing, and upon moving the engaging stud il! beyond the end of the primary shaft 41, the shafts 41 and 18 are disengaged, whereby only the primary set of feeding and elevating devices will be actuated as heretoiore described.

Referring particulariy to Fig. 8, the shait extension 16 is journaled in a hub 95 projecting from the division wall 10 of the gear housing and carries at its extremity within the gear compartment 1! a large gear wheel 96 which meshes with a smaller gear pinion 91 upon the end ci a crank shaft 98 journaled in a bearing hub 9! also projecting from the gear housing division wall 10 (sec Fig. 5). The opposite end of the shaft 98 carries within the gear compartment 12 a crank arm ll.lil having a wflst pin Il slidingly engaging in a slot in! in a rocker arm [03 carried by a rock shaft Il (Figs. 6, '7 and 8). The rock shaft IM is journaled in a beating hub ll5 projecting from the gear housing division Wall 10. The crank shait 98 and crank Ili maires complote rotations while the rocker arm l03 actuated thereby being oi greater radius is moved to and fro through a limited osciiiatory motion which is transmitted to the rock shaft Il".

The enter end of the rock shaft Il carries within the geafcompartment 1! a small gear pinion lli' and closely adjacent thereto a gear segment lll6 cf greater radius (Figs. 5, a, 9 and 11). These gear elements are connected to each other and to the shait for unison oscillation. It is to be noted that contrary to the appearance in Fig. 5, the gear pinion [05' does not mesh with the gear pinion 91 but is offset inwardly of the plane of the gears 96 and 91. as shown in Fig. 8.

The oscillatory gear elements ill5' and HIE intermesh respectively with companion gear segments [01 and NIB of diiferent radii, which are mounted concentricall with each other in a bearing hub I 09 projecting from the gear housing division wall and about a rotary shaft un (sec Fig. 9). The gear sectors [01 and [0B are free for relative oscillatory motion independently 01 each other and independently of the intermittently actuated shatt llll. Fixedl secured upon the outer end of the shat I Il). within the gear compartment Il, is a ratchet wheel H I having in its periphery a succession et ratchet teeth and a succeeding segmental portion Il! which is devoid of teeth. The ratchet wheel lll has in its hub "3 two ratchet teeth lll, disposed in approximately the same radial relation as the smooth or untoothed segmental portion l I! of the ratchet wheel III.

The purpose of this is to provide for a diiierential feeding movement of the apparatus by which a succession et relatively short advance steps of the strip being ied will be followed by a longer advancement thereoi. The duplicate or detail record strip ll is divisible at spaced intervals upon transverse weakened lines into a succession o! separate sheets. In imprinting the duplicate record a succession of imprinted legends is effected at uniform lime space intervals until the end of one of the sheet section defined by a transverse weakened line is reached. Thereupon the strip is advanced an increased distance at a. single operation to accommodate a heading space upon the succeeding sheet section and present the first imprint receiving position of such sheet in exact registry With the impringing devices.-

To eflect the successive l1ne space feeding movements, the gear segment l0! (front oi lll8) carries an outward pmjecting stud il! upon which is pivoted a spring actuated pawl l l5 having operative engagement with the teeth of the ratchet wheel lll. The rocking motion of the shaft lll4 transmitted to the intermeshing gear segments llll and l08 alternates the movement of the pawl 5 and thus advances the ratchet wheel and with it the shaft llll through successive relatively short partial rotations of equal extent. During this period the intermeshing gear elements l06 and lll8 also possess to and fro oscillatory motion in unison with the members 35 and l0l. Being of different proportions, the resulting transmitted motion is of difierent degrec or extent.

Carried by the gear segment llJ8 is a spring actuated pawl ll6 which rides idly upon the untoothed portion of the hub 3 during the step by step or line spacing movement 01 the ratchet wheel Ill under influence of the pawl Il5. Hawever, when the pawl Il5 reaches the limit of the series of ratchet teeth in the wheel Il I, the teeth l la in the hub 3 will have been moved into the range of action of the pawl 6, which by the oscillation et. the intermeshing segments IIJG and l08 is caused to engage the tooth ll4 and move the ratchet wheel and with it the shaft llll a longer advance step. This advancement eiected oy engagement of the pawl llB upon the segment l08 with the tooth ll4 in the hub 3 et the ratchet wheel lll is sufiicient to advance the duplicate record strip il from the last imprint line of one detachable sheet section to the first imprint line of the succeeding sheet section, passing over the heading space oi! such second sheet section, all in one continuons movement. It also advances the ratchet wheel Ill sufliciently to carry the untoothed segment il! beyond the pawl 5 which thereupon again engagea its ratchet teeth. Thus, there are two degrees of successive partial rotation transmitted to the shaft ll0, including a succession of short equal line spacing movements incident to the action of the pawl ll5 upon the ratchet wheel lll tollowed by a. longer movement at the completion o! a predetermined number of short steps. by the action of the pawl llB upon the hub tooth lll of the ratchet wheel.

At its inner end the shaft I Il) carries within the compartment l! a ratchet wheel ll'l, with which a spring actuated detent pawl llll engages to retain the wheel and shaft in their advanced position of rotation and prevent back lash. This ratchet couple shown in Fig. 6 is merely retaining means. However, secured to the inner end et the shaft llll adjacent to the ratchet wheel ll1 is a gear wheel ll9 which intermeshes with a small gear pinion l2ll upon the elevator shaft 28 which carries the pin type elevator device 26 having engagement in the marginal holes of the duplicata strip Il, and by which it is advanced over the deck SI). 4

Like the shafts 28 and Il, the shait 21 is operatively connected with the feed device shaft 20 as shown in Fig. 3 by a substantially vertical shaft l2l mounted in brackets in on the end frame 22 and having at each end bevel gears I23 meshing with like gears l24 on the respective shafts 2l and 28. Unison timed movements of measured extent are transmitted by the mechanism described simultaneously to the feeding and strip elevating devices la and 25. While any suitable feeding means may be employed for strip eeding and elevating purposes, including cooperating frictional rollers such as have been commonly used in the typewriter, autographic register and tabulating machine arts the teeding and elevating devices as before mentioned are pref erably, although not necessarily, pin type ieeding devices progressively engageable in successions of marginally punched holes in the record strips, or engageable in more widely separated longitudinally spaced holes medially of the strips. Such pin type feeding means may comprise pin wheels having relatively fixed feeding pins, traveling endless studded belts of reciprocatory pin feeders of which there are numerous prier art examples. However, the pin type feeding units shown in the drawings are of the reciprocatory pin style, which forme the subject matter of Letters Patent No. 2,000,649 and No. 2,000,651, of May 5, 1935, to Which reference is made, the specific construction and operation of which forming no part par se of the present invention r and is not here described. Inasmuch as the record strips eng'age the ieeding and elevating units I6, I1, 25 and 26 through only a relatively small segmental area, retractable feeding pins are not essential and other forms of pin feed units may be employed.

The feeding and elevating units are mounted in spaced relation upon their respective shafts 2ll, 2l, 21 and 28 to agree with the widths of the respectivestrips l0 and l l of record material, which may be of the same or diilerent widths. Intermediate the teeding and elevating units, there are disposed in spaced relation upon the respective shafts series of spaced discs l6, l1, 25 and 28, which support the medial areas of the strips. Each strip is divisible at longitudinally spaeed interVals upon transverse weakened lines into a series of independent sheets or forms. While the spacing of the division lines of each strip is uniform, the spaing of the weakened division lines of one strip may vary from that of the other strip. For example, the original strip l0 may comprise a succession of checks or vouchers upon each of which is to be imprinted the name, ad-

The continued movement of the presser head dress and account data of the reclpient, necessitating that the strip Il! be advanced a full form or voucher length at each operation. The accompanying duplicate or detail record sheet may comprise a succession of separable forma or sheets of much greater length than the Check or voucher lengths of the original strip Il]. However, instead of receiving une imprint on each succeeding lorm or sheet, a succession of closely spaced imprints of the data imprinted on a considerable number of checks, vouchers, or other original strip forms are impressed upon the saine sheet or form of the duplicate strip il. When the duplicata record sheet or form is filled by such closely spaced imprints, the spacing of which is determincd by the line spacing ratchet wheel III and pawl ll5, it becomes necessry to impart to the strip a longer advance movement which will carry the filled sheet beyond the imprinting position and present the initial imprint receiving area of the succeeding sheet or form in accurate registry With the imprinting means, which area may be spaced a considerable distance from the transverse division line between the forma or sheets. This form space advance is eiected by the engagement of the pawl H6 with the tobth IN of the ratchet wheel hub 3.

This is first a diflerential travel motion between the respective strips Il] and H, wherein strip HI is advanced a form length at each operation while the duplicate strip is being advanced only a line space, and second there is a difiercntial in the successive advancements of the duplicate strip H, wherein it is unliormly advanced through a predetermined number of relatively short lino spaces followed by a final longer advance step at the completion of the cycle whereby one form is withdrawn and a succeeding form is positioned in imprinting position. Moreover, these diflerential movements of the strips relative to each other and those of succeeding portions of the same strip are eifected in accuratcly timed relation with the operation of the imprinting apparatus. and the partiGuIar legend to be imprinted is determined by a prepared legend determining element which is one of a suppiy which are positioned seriatim in operative relation with the imprinting apparatus.

While in the particular apparatus illustrated. which is that of an Addressograph machine, the legend determining elements are the especiaily embossed or printing plates or stencils, the invention is not limited thereto but in appropriate form may be applied to tabulating machines and the like wherein the legend tobe imprinted is determined by punched cards, which are successively presented in control relation with the imprinting apparatus. Thepresent strip Ieeding apparatus is further applicable to other writing and imprinting mechanism, such as check writers, fiat bed typewriters and analogous mechanisms, which are not necessarily dependent on preformed legend determin'ng elements.

In operation the respective driving motors of the imprinting apparatus and the strip feeding mechanism being set in operation, the strips il! and H are progressively automaticaliy withdrawn from the supply l2 and l3 and advanced past the numbering devices I4 and l5 which are tripped by the oscillation of the switch arm 68 of the control switch 66 by engagement thereWith of the stud 65 as the presser head descends to imprint a previously numbered form which has been advanced past the numbering position into the printing position by preceding operations.

causes the stud 85 to then engage the switch arm 69 of the switch 65 by Which the electromagnet 60 is energized to trip the strip feeding mechanism for a single predetermined cycle of operation, at the end of which the driving and driven mechanism of the strip feeding apparatus is automatically disconnected. The arrangement is such that the strip feeding mechanism is energized only when the imprinting apparatus have been operated and in timed relation therewith after the imprinting has been eiected and as the presser head returns. The imprinting apparatus is so automatically controlled that in addressograph machines, tabulators and other automatic mechanisms controlled by a preformcd legendcletermining element, the actuation of the imprinting mechanism does not occur until the legend determining punched card, printing plate, stencil, or like element has been shifted from the supply thcreof into control relation.

Thus, the feeding operation is directly dependent upon the imprinting operation and the latter is dependent upon presentation of the legend cletermining element in proper position. If no legend determining member is supplied, there can be no imprinting, and without the imprinting operation, no teeding movement coeurs. Thus, these successive operations are mutually interdependent upon each other. The strips [0 and H being advanced past the imprinting position in superposed relation with a portion cf carbon or transier material interleaved therebetween are separately engaged, each by its own feeding device. The overlying duplicata record strip H la engaged by the feeding unit Ii while the original record strip Il) is engaged by the ieeding unit Hi, pnsitioned in the rear of the unit H and on lave] therewith. These units arc substantiaily tangential to the path cf travel of the strips past the imprinting position.

The original record strip Il! passes from the feeding unit l6 upwardly about a freely rotating guide relier 6l through an openlng in the trunnion boss Gl, of which the link 58 of the magneticaily operated tripping device extends. The original record strip passes thence over the elevator unit 25 whlch is substantially identical with the feeding unlts 16 and I1, and into the receiving compartment or tray 29. The strip having been sharply folded in zigzag form in the supply packet automatically reassumes such folded form as it enters the receivng tray.

At the same time, the duplicata record strip H being advanced past the imprinting position by the feeding unlts Il is directed upwardly about an idler guide roller Il to the elevator units 25, by which the strip l i and accompanying carbon strip are discharged onto the deck 3l. The record strip passing beyond the deck 3il is received t in the tray 32 at the front of the machine, where it also reassumes its original fold lines. The carbon strip may be refolded With the strip Il, but is preferably diverted into a separate waste receptacle as the strips leave the deck 30.

The marginally punched holes in the record strips if desired may be remcved and trimming cutters may be provided in association with either or both sets of the elevator units 25 and 26, as shown particularly in F.gs. 3 and 22, but also in Figs. 1 and 2.

Carried upon a polygonal transverse rod 125 parallel with the elevator shafts 21 and 28, are slidingly adjustable brackets I2B. with each of which is associated an arm 121 mounted for wherein continuous strip tion, imprinting mechanism stationery at spaced intervais, dual feeding means limited oscillatory adjustment. The arm l2! carries a rotary trimrner dise 118 having peripherai engagement with the advancing strip as it passes over the eievator unit. The cutter dise coacts With the periphery of the pin wheel body closely adjacent to the inner side of the series of strip engaging pins under pressure adjusted by a screw I2Ii in the bracket I2B and engaging the cutter carrying cm. A guard hood [30 carried by the arm i2! overhangs the cutter dise and prevents accidentai contact therewith.

Associated with ail of the pin wheel units both feeding and elevating, are slotted papcr guides l3l. Adjustably supported on shaits l32 paraliel with the pin unit are slotted guide fingers l33 into the slots 01 which the pins extend. The slotted guide fingers are slidingly adjustable in accordance with the adjustment of the pin type units to accommodate strips of diierent widths. 'Ihcy are further capableof oscillatory movement toward and from the units to enabie engagement of the marginaily punched strips with the feeding pins and to thereaiter prevent their accidentai disengagement theretrom. The approaeh of the slotted guide flngers toward the pin type units is limited by a stop upon an arm |34 which assures suflicient clearance for free movement of the strip under influence of the traveling pins. As at present advised, the particular trimming unit and strip guide feature will form the subject matter ci a separate applh cation.

From the above description it wiIl be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage be!ore enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible o! modification in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement et parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantases.

While in order to comply with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less sptcific as to structural ieatures, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the speciflc Ieatures shown, but. that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise the preferred form of several modes et putting the invention into eflect, and the invention is therefore claimed in any ci its f01ins or modifications Within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described our invention, we claim:

1. In a strip feeding and imprinting apparatus stationem receives at longitudinaily spaced intervais imprinted legends predetermined by legend determining elements advanced seriatim at timed intervals from a source of supply into an imprint control posi- Ior imprinting the for diferentiaily advancing superposed strips of record materiai past an imprinting position and arresting the strips with succeeding diierently spaced prescribed areas upon the respective strips in registry with each other and in registry With the imprinting position, impression taking means for pressing the positioned strips and imprinting mechanism together to simultaneousiy produce impressions upon both strips, and driving means for actuating the imprinting mechanism and dual feeding means in timed sequence.

2. A construction substantially as set forth in claim 1, wherein said dual ieeding means includes a series ci traveling spaced feeding pins having tim from a source of supply into an imprint control position, imprinting devices for imprinting the stationery strips et spaced intervals, a table over whih the stationery strips are progressively advanced in superposed relation from a supply thexeof below the level of the table into imprinting position, dual feeding means for diierentially advancing the superposed strips for presenting diflerently spaced prescribed areas upon the respective strips simultaneously in imprinting position and in registry with each other. and clevator means for elevating the imprinted portions of the stationery strips and receivers into which the elevated imprinted portions of the strips are directed.

4. In a strip feeding apparatus. wherein continuons multiple strip stationery receives at longitudinaily spaced intervals imprinted legends predetermined by legend determining elements advanced seriatim (mm a source of supply into an imprint central position, imprinting devices for imprinting the stationery strips et spaced intervais, a table over which the stationery is advanced into imprinting position, a. pair et pin type teeding means located in juxtaposition to the imprinting devices and beyond the table in the direction of travel of the stationery and engageable in longitudinally spaced haies in the imprinted portion of the stationery after it has passed over the table and past the imprinting position for intermittently presenting successive difierently spaced portions of the multiple stationery strips in imprlnting position, and actuating means for actuating the pin type feeding means difl'erentiaily.

5. In a strip feeding apparatus, wherein continuous strip stationery receives at longitudinafly spaced intervais imprinted legends predetermined by legend determining elements advanced seriatim from a source of supply into an imprint control position, imprinting devices for imprinting the stationery strips at spaced intervals, a pair of pin type feeding devices, having progressive feeding engagement in longitudinally spaced holes in diflerent stationery strips, and actuating means for actuang the pin wheels differentiaily.

6. A strip teeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a continuous strip ci record materiai is intermittently advanced past an imprinting position at which it receives at longitudinaily spaced intervals imprinted indicia determined by a succession of legend determining means progressive- 1y presented in imprint control relation, and wherein the imprinting operation is dependent upon the positioning oi such legend determining means and the feeding of the strip is dependent upon the operation of imprinting mechanisms, characterized by duplex ieeding means for progressively advancing diiierent record strips differentially relative to each other past the imprinting position. including actuating means for operating the strip ieeding means to eifect a continuing succession cf uniform advance movements of one strip and to affect movement of a companion strip through a continuing succession oi uniform advance movements of diierent extent, and arresting the strips after each movement with succeeding predetermined differently spaced areas of the respective strips in registry with each other and with the imprinting position and control means by which the feeding means is actuated in timed sequence with the imprinting operaticn, by operation of the imprinting mechanism.

7. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a continuous strip oi! record material is intermittentiy advanced past an imprinting position at which it receives at longitudinally spaced intervals imprinted indicia determined by a succession of legend determining means progressiveiy presented in imprint control relation and wherein the imprinting operation is dependent upon the positioning of such legend determining means and the feeding of the strip is dependent upon the operation of imprinting mechanisms, characterized by duplex feeding means for progressively advancing different record strips difiercntially with each other past the imprinting position, and actuating means for operating the strip feeding means to effect simultaneous continuing advance ment of different strips through a continuing succession et uniform advance mcvements 01 ditferent extent and arresting the strips after each movement with succeedlng predetermined difierently spaced areas of the respective strips in registry with each cther and with the imprinting position and intermediate means by which the feeding means is actuated in timed sequence with the imprinting operation by the operation of the imprinting mechanism.

8. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus, wherein a continuous strip of record material is intermittencly advanced past an imprinting position at which it receives at longitudinally spaced intervals imprinted indicia predetermined by legend determining means progressivcly prescnted in imprint control relation, and wherein the imprinting operation is dependent upon the presentation of the legend determining means and the feeding operation is dependent upon the imprinting operation, characterized by multiple strip feeding devices for advancing difierent strips simultaneously past the imprinting position actuating means therecr, s0 constructed and arranged as to effect simultanecus advancement cf diiferent strips uniform distances and thereafter advance une et the strips and increased distance, imprinting means and an operative connection between the imprinting and strip feeding means by which the latter is actuated in timed sequence with the former.

9. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus, wherein a record strip is intermittentiy advanced past an imprinting position where it receives a succession et longitudinally spaced imprinted indicia predetermined by legend determinng means progressively presented in imprint contre] relatien and wherein the imprint operaticn is dependent upon presentation of the legend determining means and the feedlng operation is dependent upon the imprinting operation, characterized by multiple strip feeding devices engageable with separate record strips to be fed, and actuating means for differentiaily operating the strip feeding devices for advancing different strips difierent distances and arresting the strips with predetermined impression receiving areas diflerently spaced upon the respective strips in registry with each other and with the imprinting position, imprinting means and means operated by the operation of the imprinting means for actuating the feeding devices in timed sequence therewith.

10. A strip ieeding and imprinting apparatus, wherein a record strip is intermittently advanced past an imprinting position where it receives et succession of longitudinally spaced imprinted indicia predetermined by legend determining means progressiveiy presented in imprint control relatien and wherein the imprint operation is dependent upon presentation of the legend determining means and the feeding operation is dependent upon the imprinting operation, characterized by multiple strip feeding devices engageabie with separate record strips to be ied, actuating means thereior. guide means for guiding the strips in substantiaily coincideut paths past the imprintiflg position and means for guiding the strips in divergent paths therebeyond.

11. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus, wherein a record strip is intermittently advanced past an imprinting position where it receives a succession cf longitudinafly spaced imprinted indicia predetcrmined by legend determining means progressiveiy presented in imprint contra] relatian and wherein the imprint cperaticn is dependent upon presentation of the legend determining means and the feeding operation is dependent upon the imprinting operation. characterized by multiple strip feeding devices engageabie with separate record strips to be fed, actuating means therefor, guide means confining the strips tc substantially coincident patins past the imprinting position, eievator means for carrying the strips upwardly beyond the imprinting position, and an elevated receiver for at least one of the strips.

' 12. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus. wherein a record strip is intermittently advanced past an imprinting positionwhere it receivesasuccession et longitudinally spaced imprinted indicia predetermined by legend determining means progressiveiy presented in imprint control relation and wherein the imprint operation is dependent upon presentation of the legend determining means and the feeding operation is dependent upon the imprinting operation, characterized by multiple strip ieeding devices engageable With separate record strips to be fed, actuating means therefor, guide means confining the strips to substantially coincident paths past the imprinting position, elevator means for carrying the strips upwardly beyond the imprinting position. and an elevated guide cver which at least one of the strips is directed in reverse direction to its path of travel past the imprinting position.

13. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus, wherein a record strip is intermittently advanced pust an imbrinting position where it receives a succession et longitudinally spaced imprinted indicia predetermined by legend determining means progressively presented in imprint controi relation and wherein the imprint operation is dependent upon presentation of the legend determining means and the feeding operation is dependent upon the imprinting operation, charactcrized by multiple strip feeding devices engageable with separate record strips to be Ied, actuating means thereof constructed and arranged to effect advanccment of one of the strips through continuing succession cf advance movement of uniform extent and another strip through a succession of uniform advance movements of diiferent extent from those of the first strip iollowed by a 70 tus, wherein an assembly of superposed record strips are progressively advanced past an imprinting position at which they receive successive longitudinally spaced imprints of indicia. predetermined by a series of legend determining elements successively presented in imprint control relation, an imprinting apparatus, separate strip feeding devices for difierent strips of the assembly, common actuating means thereior for simultaneously advancing the strips diiferent distances, and means for intermittently further advancing one of the strips thrcugh an increased range of movement. and means for initiating the feeding operation in timed sequence with the imprinting of indicia upon the strip by actuation of the imprinting apparatus.

15. In a strip feeding and imprinting apparatus, the combination with an assembly et superposed record strips, of which difierent strips are uniformly divided into form lentghs of diflerent length, and an imprinting apparatus having a printing position past which the strips are advanced in unison to simultanecusly present at the printing position difierently spaced prescribed areas of the respective strlps to receive thereon duplicated imprinted indicia predeter- 'mined by a series of legend determining elements successivel; presented in imprinting control relation, separate strip feeding devices for difierent strips of the assembly, the feeding devices being s0 constructed and arranged as to advance one of the strips a fractionalpart of a form lentgh at a time until a plurality of impressions have been imprinted upon a 'single form thereof and to then advance the strip through a succeeding movement of a greater range sufficient to present the initial impression receiving area of a succeeding form in imprinting position, and to simultaneously advance the other strip a full form length at each operation and means for initiating the feedlng operation in timed sequence with the imprinting of indicia upon the strip by actuation of the imprinting apparatus.

16. In a strip feeding and imprinting apparatus. wherein an assembly of superposed record strips are intermittently advanced past an imprinting position by traveling pin type feeding devices engageable in longitudinally spaced holes in the strips and receiving thereon at longitudinally spaced intervais indicia impressions predetermined by a series of legend determining elements presented one by one in imprint control relation, an imprinting apparatus separate pin type feeding devices engageable with different strips, common driving means therefor. and means controlled by operation. ofthe imprinting apparatus for efiecting dierential actuaticn of the respective pin type feeding devices for advancing the respective strips through successive advance movements of diierent extent and synchronizing difierently spaced areas thereof accurately in registry with each other and with the imprinting position at each operation.

17. In a strip feeding and imprinting apparatus, multiple pin type feeding devices for differentially advancing superposed strips of impression receiving material past an imprinting position, actuating means for operating one of the strip feeding devices through a cycle of operations including strip feeding movements of different extent and simultaneously actuating another strip feeding device through a succession of strip ieeding operations of uniform extent, the construction and arrangement being such that one strip or set of strips is advanced a full form length past the imprinting position at each operation While a. companion strip or set of strips is advanced through a predetermined succession et lime space movements followed by a movement oi greater extent necessary to advance the strip a distance from the last line of one form length to the initial line of a succeeding form length past the imprinting position, imprinting mechanism for impressing the strips at longitudinaily spaced intervals determined by the operative movements of the feeding devices, and timing means foreiecting operation of the ieeding deflces in timed sequence with operation of the imprinting mechanism.

18. In a strip teeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a plurality of superposed strips are intermittently advanced past an imprinting position at which they receive longitudinally spaced imprints, strip elevating means operative to elevate the imprinted strips after they have passed the imprinting position and to dlstribute the strips at diferent levels, imprinting mechanism for impressing the strips et longitudinally spaced intervals determined by the operatlve movements of the Ieeding devices, and timing means for effecting operation of the ieeding devices in timed sequence with operation of the imprinting mechanism.

19. The herein described method of presenting difierently spaced prescribed areas of superposed strips in registry with each other and 'simultaneously in registry with the printing position 01 an imprinting apparatus including successively advancing one strip or set of strips through a succession et relativeiy short advance movements followed by at least one movement of greater extent and simultaneously advancing another strip or set of strlps through a succession et advance movement of uniform extent but difiering from those of the flrst mentioned strip or set of strlps and automatically timing such advance movements in synchronism with imprinting operations thereon.

20. In a strip ieeding and imprinting apparatus. the combination with imprinting means for imprintirig indicia at longitudinaily spaced intervals upon superposed strips et record material intermittently advanced past an imprinting position, of multiple pin type feeding devices engageable in longitudinally spaced holes in superposed strips of record material for difierentially advancing the strips of material past the imprinting position, and actuating means operative in timed sequence with the imprinting apparatus for simultaneously driving difierent ieeding devises through diflerent degrees of movement at each operation for advancing superposed strips diierent distances and thereby present difierentiy spaced prescribed areas upon the respective strips simultaneuusly in imprinting position.

21. In a strip feeding and imprinting apparatus, the combination with imprinting mechanism for imprinting indicia at longitudinally spaced intervals upon superposed record strips intermittently advanced past an imprinting position of multiple pin type feeding devices having simultanecus lndependcnt engagement in longitudinally spaced holes ot difierent superposed record strip's, and actuating means for simultaneously actuating the diflerent pin type feedlng devices through measured degrees of travel l'or automatically advancing diflerent strlps predetermined distances in unison past the imprlntlng position and thereafter arresting the strips with prescribed longitudinally apaced areas of diflerent

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